What is the Aspect Ratio?
Aspect ratio is a ratio of two numbers (e.g. 16:9 or 4:3) that tells you how the width and height of an image, video, or display screen relate to each other. The aspect ratio determines how content is displayed on different screens.
For video podcasts, understanding the aspect ratio can help ensure the content is displayed correctly on various platforms (YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.). Choosing the wrong aspect ratio can crop out the host or guest or stretch the video across the screen making it look distorted.
What you need to know about standard aspect ratios:
- 16:9: This is the most common aspect ratio for video and is the default for most online video platforms.
- 4:3: This aspect ratio is often used by older TVs and monitors.
- 1:1: Platforms like Instagram use this square format for images.
- 9:16: TikTok and Instagram Stories and Reels prefer this portrait mode.
Is 4:3 and 16:9 the same aspect ratio?
No, 4:3 and 16:9 are different aspect ratios. Older TV sets and monitors use 4:3, but 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio for most modern displays, TVs, and platforms like YouTube.
Which aspect ratio is best: 16:9 or 16:10?
16:9 is more commonly used, especially for HD video content and streaming platforms. However, 16:10 offers slightly more vertical space and is popular for some computer displays and professional work environments. For video podcasts or content creation, 16:9 is typically the best option as it is widely supported across platforms.
Is Instagram 16:9 or 4:3?
For feed posts, Instagram uses the 1:1 aspect ratio, and for vertical formats, 9:16 is the preferred aspect ratio.
Should I shoot in 4:3 or 16:9?
It is generally recommended you shoot your content in 16:9 for modern content, especially if your goal is to share video podcasts or other content on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or widescreen TVs. 4:3 is less common and is mainly used for older displays.
Is 1920x1080 the same as 16:9?
Yes, 1920x1080 is the resolution for 16:9 aspect ratio. This is commonly referred to as Full HD and is one of the most widely used resolutions for video content on platforms like YouTube.
How to change the aspect ratios of your videos with Riverside (Resizing for social and YouTube)
Changing the aspect ratio of a video in Riverside is simple and allows you to optimize your content for different platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Here's how to do it:
- Log in to Riverside on your computer.
- Navigate to the Studio and select the relevant recording.
- In the top right corner, click Edit and select + Create new edit or choose an existing draft or Magic Clips.
- At the top of the Editor, click the current aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9 Full Width, 9:16 Vertical, or 1:1 Square).some text
- 16:9: Ideal for YouTube and widescreen formats.
- 9:16: Best for vertical videos on TikTok or Instagram Stories.
- 1:1: Perfect for square videos, commonly used on Instagram posts.
- Choose the new aspect ratio you want from the panel that appears.
